A hand-hewn Timber Frame oak barn I constructed with my crew in 2007. Expertise in design/build has real-world applications, not just in aesthetics, but in function and durability as well.

If you look at the historical buildings that have most inspired you, chances are high that they were created by people who were masters of what they did. The perfect Japanese teahouse, the solid limestone manor, the thick adobe pueblo, the enduring Timber Frame barn — historically, these would have been made by those who were intimately familiar with the materials they worked with. They would have had tens of thousands of hours of hands-on experience, known cultural and dimensional aesthetics, known how to repair and hone their tools. These masters of their craft would have known how to build from the ground up, step by step, and they would have been utterly devoted to the beauty made possible by this process. They would have required the best materials and the most rigorous craftsmanship from design through completion. To do anything else would have been an affront to their expertise as builders.

This is what we demand from ourselves in the design/build process. From design through completion, craft is the representation of our deepest held values and our deepest hope for the future. Simply put, design/build is when the design and construction process are carried out by a single individual or company, and for nine out of ten projects, this is what provides clients with the highest value for their investment. We are committed to exceeding client expectations, and to this end, we combine our intensive craft training, enduring design standards, and the sophisticated green building technology of today.

I use building information modeling (BIM) software for design, which allows for cutaway views and virtual client tours of the proposed home before the foundation is even laid. Here, a modern Timber Frame design that incorporates direct glazing (glass panels) is shown without the roof.

Design/build puts the burden of quality in one place and creates a very direct relationship with the client. This is true if the client wants a sleek, modern design featuring polished beams and glass walls, and it's also true if something with a traditional, hand-hewn finish is desired. Design/build translates to a more cohesive vision and execution of the project.

The integrated approach between designing and building, however, is not how most buildings are constructed in today's world. We are working to re-establish the quality standards of the time that came before the invasion of vinyl and plywood. We are here to build lasting relationships and to strengthen our community by creating healthy, beautiful, and timeless structures for today and for the generations that come after us. For us, this is more than just something we say to attract business. It is our whole reason for doing business in the first place.